This page was created to explain the duties of the slave driver. The slave driver was usually a slave himself:

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Translation:

Driver

The head driver is the most important negro on the plantation and is not required to work like the other hands. He is to be treated with more respect than any other negro by both master & overseer. He is on no occasion to be treated with an indignity, calculated to lose the respect of the other negroes, without breaking him. He is required to maintain proper discipline at all times. To see that no negro idles or does bad work in the field, & to punish it with discretion on the spot. The driver must never be flogged except by the master, but in emergencies that will not admit of delay. Of this, however, he is to be kept in entire ignorance. He is permitted to visit the master at any time without being required to get a card, though, in general, he is expected to inform the Overseer when he leaves the place, & present himself on returning. He is expected to communicate freely whatever attracts his attention, or he thinks information of interest to the master. He is a confidential servant & may be a guard against any excesses or omissions of the Overseer.

Taken from James Henry Hammond's "Plantation Books, 1832-1858" c/o Library of Congress Manuscript Division.